6 steps for taping your Enlite sensor

6 steps for taping your Enlite sensor

Properly applying your Enlite overtape plays a key role in helping keep your sensor in place. Just as important, your Enlite overtape should be applied after the sensor is inserted, but before connecting the transmitter to the sensor. These 6 steps walk you through applying your sensor overtape to help reduce transmitter movement and protect the sensor and transmitter connection. A printed copy of these tips can also come in handy when you’re changing your sensor away from home and need a refresher. 

Step 1: Prepare the Overtape

Step 1       

Remove the larger protective white paper from the Enlite overtape backing.

 
Step 2: Place the Overtape

Step 2 

2A: Hold the overtape 2B: Apply the adhesive to the rounded part of the sensor and the skin 2C: Stretch the overtape around the connector so that it lays flat against the sensor’s adhesive pad

 
Step 3: Secure the Overtape

Step 3 

Remove the protective white paper from the sides of the overtape, and smooth the adhesive to the skin. Apply firm pressure for several seconds (a minimum 5 seconds) to ensure the sensor stays properly aligned in the skin layers.    

 
Step 4: How the Overtape Should Look

Step 4

4A and 4B show the Enlite overtape securely holding the sensor in place. For the best adhesion results, reapply ­firm pressure for several seconds across the entire overtaped area.  

 
Step 5: Connecting the Transmitter

Step 5

5A: Connect the transmitter to the sensor. 5B: Wait for the transmitter to flash.    

 
Step 6: Adhering the Transmitter

Step 6 

Remove the adhesive liner and place the adhesive flap over the top of the transmitter. It’s important you do not stretch the adhesive flap during this process. 

Sometimes during wear, the adhesive pad beneath the transmitter may loosen. Sensor movement or pullout is one of the leading causes of inaccurate readings. Here are a few other options for applying additional tape that may help reduce transmitter movement. You should always be sure to regularly check your sensor site to ensure the overtape is holding the sensor securely on your skin. 

Enlite Overtape Enhanced Taping Method

Enlite Overtape 

The front section of the Enlite overtape should be centered on top of the transmitter, while the back section sits entirely on your skin. Press ­firmly down on the adhesive, for best results.   

Tegaderm

Tegaderm

Option 1, Option 2, Option 3 IV3000

IV3000

Option 1, Option 2, Option 3 

For a live demonstration on enhanced Enlite taping methods, you may find this video helpful. Do you have any questions about taping your Enlite sensor? Let us know in the comments below!

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Submitted by Dan (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

wow!
I learned something new !
Thank you!

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by Dan (not verified)

Dan, you are so welcome! I’m glad you found this article informative!

Submitted by K David Oldham (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Gained a few helpful hints - thanks ! ! !

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by K David Oldham (not verified)

David, I’m happy to hear you learned some new helpful hints from this blog!

Submitted by Justin Thomas (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

This was helpful, but i still run into issues with just the 2 pieces of tape allotted per sensor. At first i was given a 3rd piece of tape without a whole in it. Over the last 3 shipments none was supplied. I have called numerous times and am sent a replacement as well as only 2 pieces of tape. Is there a recommendation on tape i can purchase from the local drug store?

Thank You,
Justin

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by Justin Thomas (not verified)

Justin, I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble with taping your Enlite sensor. You may find these Enlite sensor additional taping methods helpful: http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/res/img/pdfs/940M11776-013-Additional-…. I’ll have a member of my team to connect with you to try and help. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with in the meantime.

Submitted by Kim (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

thanks for the info. I like the tape demo. I have tried and failed with the sensor several years ago but may demo again soon.

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by Kim (not verified)

Hi Kim, I’m glad to hear you found these Enlite sensor overtape tips and demo helpful. If you’re interested in trying the Enlite sensor and would like to know more information, let me know, and I’d be more than happy to connect you with someone from my team.

Submitted by Rob Walker (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I was wondering why I cannot just use the Durapore tape or the Hypafix I used to use with my old Sof- sensors. The Enlite overtape is a little too small to use with my eyes over 50 !

Submitted by Sara Tilleskjor (not verified) on

In reply to by Rob Walker (not verified)

Rob, I’m sorry to hear you’re frustrated with taping your Enlite sensor. It is customized specifically for the Enlite sensor. If the sensor overtape is not meeting your needs, we recommend speaking with your healthcare professional about other adhesive options. You may also find these additional Enlite taping tips helpful: https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/res/img/pdfs/940M11776-013-Additional….

Submitted by john (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

my wife is diabetic and has started to use the enlite sensor. she has asked me to find her more packets of the enlite overtape could you help me find where I can purchase this? thanks !

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by john (not verified)

John, that’s so nice of you to help your wife find additional Enlite sensor overtape. Currently, the Enlite sensor overtape is not available for purchase separately. The box provides extra pieces of tape that can be used, if needed. Here are taping tips your wife may find helpful: http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/res/img/pdfs/Enlite-taping-tips_8.5x11…. Please let me know if I can help in any other way.

Submitted by Eric (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

The picture in Step 1 needs to be revised. If you take the backing off the tape in this fashion the tape will inevitably bend and stick to itself ruining a perfectly good piece of tape. My CGM trainer showed the class a much more effective method. Put the tape in the palm lengthwise with the hand (running parallel with the fingers). Then, using the thumb of the hand the tape is in, hold down the side tab and pull the label 1 backing off. This keeps the tape flat in the palm and doesn't lend itself to bending and sticking to itself.

Also interesting is that the diagrams all show the transmitter to the side of the sensor. However in training the instructor taught to have the transmitter to the north of the sensor.

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by Eric (not verified)

Hi Eric, thank you for sharing your experiences with us. The horizontal positioning of sensor and transmitter shown in this diagram are for demonstrative purposes. A vertical orientation, with the transmitter positioned above or below the sensor, may be preferred for some people. It’s your own personal preference, and what works and feels best for you. Hope this helps!

Submitted by Rick Mulcahey Jr (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I recieve a 3 month supply of the sensors at a time. The tape provided with the enlite sensors works wonderful! I find it works well and secures the transmittor usually for the 6 or sometimes 7 day period. Usually i use 2-3 pieces of tape. I didn't realize that additional tape could not be perchased from Medtronic. One of the boxes of sensors sent didn't work out to well - Medtronic ended up replacing 4 of them. Ontop of just finishing off a hotter and more humid than usual summwr in the northeast. (I find it's impossible to keep the transmittor secure if i sweat a lot.) Well guess what, I learned that Medtronic does not sell additional packs of overtape. I am running low on the overtape and looking for an alternative. Anyone have any ideas? To me the IV3000 seems heavier than the overtape and i can't seem to find something similar to the Medtronic overtape. Anyone have any suggestions for a tape that is strong like the overtape will last a number of days and that is fairly thin?? I really would appreciate the feedback. Thanks!

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by Rick Mulcahey Jr (not verified)

Rick, I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble with sensor adhesion, and can imagine this can be frustrating. Seasonal climates, skin lotions/creams, trapped moisture or different clothing may affect your tape adhesion or the way your body reacts to it. Here are Enlite alternative taping tips you may find helpful to try: https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/res/img/pdfs/940M11776-013-Additional…. I’ll have a member of my team reach out to you to try and help as well.


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